There’s no doubt that firefighting is a dangerous profession – but those dangers go beyond the obvious physical dangers immediately present when fighting fires. In the last decade, new research has emerged about the health risks specific to firefighters. Of the many studies that have been conducted, most have had the same, jarring results about firefighters and their risk of developing cancer. In a study done by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), researchers found that firefighters are 9% more likely to contract cancer (especially cancers of the respiratory, digestive, and urinary systems) and are at a 14% higher risk of dying from cancer than the general population[1]. The study also found that firefighters were two times more likely to contract mesothelioma than the general U.S. population, likely due to the increased exposure to asbestos many firefighters experience.
When addressing the health and safety of their teams, fire departments should prioritize sharing cancer prevention practices. Here’s a list of best practices that departments can follow to help educate and reduce firefighters’ cancer risk.
Top Cancer Prevention Best Practices to Implement at Your Fire Department
Inhalation hazards are only one of the major cancer risks for firefighters. Over time, building components and materials (including household furniture and appliances) have changed drastically. These items often contain larger amounts of chemicals, creating more hazardous gases and contaminants during fires that stick around long after the fire has burned out.
These contaminants are often cancer-causing and are found on turnout gear and any exposed skin (which is even more susceptible to chemical absorption through raised temperatures). Research shows that “firefighters are now more likely than ever before to be exposed to hazardous materials during a structure fire than during an actual hazardous materials incident”[2].
2. Provide all entry-certified personnel with a second hood.
Areas like the face and neck that are not protected by the firefighter’s SCBA are very vulnerable. A sock hood alone is not very protective and, in the case that one gets contaminated during an incident, each firefighter should have a second hood to use while the first is being washed.
Washing the hoods is equally important because of the direct contact they have with the skin and the potential for them to be carrying cancer-causing contaminants.
3. Practice effective PPE and self-decontamination protocols.
Once far enough away from the incident and while still on air, it is recommended that firefighters perform gross decontamination on all PPE using soapy water and a brush. Washed PPE should be put in a sealed bag and placed in a compartment on the exterior of the apparatus.
Decontamination procedure should also be followed for any exposed areas of the body using wipes. Upon return to the fire station, more thorough decontamination should be done to all PPE, equipment, and apparatus, as well as a “shower within the hour” protocol. After being decontaminated, turnout gear should never be worn inside the fire station, except in the bay, gear storage, and decon areas.
4. Always document all fire & chemical exposures on incident reports.
Cancer often does not present itself until years after exposure, which is why it’s important for firefighters to document all incidents in detail so they have a record of possible carcinogen exposures they may have been exposed to. Personal exposure reports like the one found on the last page of this fire service cancer tool kit can be used.
5. Reduce exposure to diesel exhaust from the fire apparatus.
To reduce exposure to the chemicals from diesel exhaust, bay doors should be opened before the engine starts and should be kept open upon return until after the engine is off.
In addition, station office and living area doors should always be kept closed and properly sealed. Departments should conduct apparatus checks outside if the engine needs to be running and use diesel exhaust containment/removal systems.
6. Early detection is key.
As recommended by NFPA 1582, annual physicals can play an important role in the early detection and prevention of disease. The IAFC has published a report on this standard and the IAFF/IAFC Wellness-Fitness Initiative. Their Road Map to Health & Wellness is a great resource for an in-depth look at issues firefighters face, including cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. This free Healthcare Provider’s Guide to Firefighter Physicals is also a useful tool.
7. Implement cancer prevention training
All stations should implement cancer prevention education training. Fortunately, there are many resources out there to help you put a program together. One of them is the Lavender Ribbon Report, which details many cancer prevention practices for firefighters, including ones from this blog.
In addition to following these best practices at work, firefighters should be educated and encouraged to also implement healthy habits in their personal lives to lower their risk of cancer. This includes avoiding tobacco products that can compound their cancer risk and maintaining a healthy weight. One study found that firefighters have a 20-30% higher risk of getting liver cancer, which is then doubled by obesity[3].
As a firefighter, it’s your job to save the lives of others on a daily basis. However, you can’t do that job if you aren’t also taking care of yourself. Implementing these best practices at your department can make a huge difference when it comes to the cancer risks associated with your job.
For more information about firefighter cancer prevention, check out the following resources: FirefighterCancerSupport.org, Fire Fighter Cancer Cohort Study (FFCCS), WSCFF Healthy In, Healthy Out – Firefighter Cancer Prevention (video), First Responder Center for Excellence, and IAFF’s Cancer Awareness and Prevention Resources.
Sources:
[1] http://www.effua.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/NIOSH-Firefighter-Cancer-Study.pdf
[2] Jahnke, Sara A, et al. “GUIDE TO CANCER PREVENTION THROUGH PPE.” Globe Holding Company LLC, 1 Feb. 2016.
[3] https://www.firerescue1.com/fire-products/personal-protective-equipment-ppe/articles/modifiable-risk-firefighter-cancer-prevention-ki0vb2aJZ6voH9j0/
